Brent schools will be hit by national teachers’ strike tomorrow

Several schools in Brent will be closed tomorrow and others affected as teachers take part in a national strike over plans to increase their retirement age and change their pensions.

Members of the National Union of Teachers will stage a walk out across the country in protest against government proposals to rise the age of retirement to 68 from 65, and increase contributions made to their pension pot while reducing the overall payout.

They are also angry about plans to introduce performance related pay.

So far eight schools have confirmed they will be closed.

Lesley Gouldbourne, Brent NUT Secretary, said, “Teacher workload is unsustainable and the thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away from the job. Teacher morale is at dangerously low levels. Children need teachers who are fresh and well motivated not tired and demoralised.

“All the polls show that Michael Gove is out of touch with teachers and parents – he must listen and change direction. This strike is his fault - teachers do not like taking strike action but they are prepared to lose pay to stand up for education. We do apologise for the inconvenience to parents but we hope they will support us.”

The NUT has also launched a campaign called ‘Stand Up for Education’ which is calling for a number of rules to put into place including a qualified teacher in every classroom in every school and local authorities to be allowed to open new schools when needed.

A Department for Education spokesman said the strike will disrupt parents’ lives, hold back children’s education and damage the reputation of the profession.

To find out if you child’s school will be affected click here.